Canada is a favoured choice for international students, including those from India. While Canada is renowned for its quality of life, the cost of living in Canada can fluctuate based on various factors. Assessing these factors carefully before budgeting your expenses to study or live in Canada is important.
Studying Cost in Canada for International Students
The cost of studying in Canada depends on the program you choose and the institution you attend. You can expect a range of CAD 13,000 to 40,000 per year.
Study program | Average annual fee in CAD |
|---|---|
Undergraduate Program | $13,000 to $20,000 |
Postgraduate master's degree | $17,000 to $25,000 |
Doctoral Degree | $7,000 to $15,000 |
MBA | $30,000 to $40,000 |
Generally, humanities, education, and arts programs are more affordable than fields like medicine and engineering. See below for sample undergraduate tuition costs across these subjects.
Subject | Average cost in CAD |
|---|---|
Business & Management | $29,000 |
Engineering | $34,000 |
Medicine | $33,000 |
Pharmacy | $41,000 |
Dentistry | $57,000 |
Veterinary Medicine | $63,000 |
Along with the tuition fees, you will have to consider other fees, such as the student visa for Canada, IELTS, and other tests you may have to take to get admission to your desired university. The fees for these for Indian students are mentioned below:
Student visa for Canada - Rs. 9,200
IELTS for Canada - Rs. 17,000
GMAT - Rs. 22,832
GRE - Rs. 17,438
Scholarships to Study in Canada
Below are some of the top scholarships that leading Canadian universities offer to international students.
University | Scholarship | Scholarship value | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
University of Waterloo | University of Waterloo International Student Entrance Scholarship | 20 scholarships valued at $10,000 each | It is awarded annually to exceptional international students entering their first year of undergraduate studies. Open to students with a strong academic record (90% average or higher). Selection considers your grades and any additional requirements set by your chosen faculty. No separate application is needed. |
University of Alberta | University of Alberta Centenary Scholarship | Variable from $20,000; payable over four years. | This scholarship recognises outstanding first-year undergraduate students who excel academically (strong transcripts and test scores) and demonstrate leadership through extracurricular and community involvement. No separate application is needed. Submit all your admission documents by the scholarship deadline, including transcripts, grades, and proof of English proficiency. You'll be considered for the scholarship automatically. |
Cape Breton University | Entrance Scholarships | Major Entrance Scholarships (total value) Chancellor’s: $30,000 President’s: $20,000 Deans’: $10,000 tzgerald: $20,000 Schwartz: $14,000 W.M. Reid: $11,500 Orpha Thayer-Scott: $10,000 | All students must submit an admission application and an official transcript to be considered for entrance scholarships. Those interested in bursaries must also complete a financial need application. Cape Breton University will determine the average for international students entering directly from high school. Students must be currently enrolled in their transfer program. For ESL conditional offers, recipients must attend a CBU English language partner school to be honoured with the award. A minimum average of 80%, as determined by CBU, is required for eligibility, with no failures. |
University of Winnipeg | President’s Scholarship for World Leaders | Undergraduate - 6 awards of $5,000 each. Graduate - 3 awards of $5,000 each. | To be eligible for the scholarship, candidates must: Maintain a minimum 80% admission average or its equivalent. Be classified as an international student. Be entering the first year of any program or school at the University of Winnipeg. Demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities. Submit a complete application for admission by the scholarship deadline. |
University of Regina | Entrance Scholarship | $3,000 | The scholarship is automatically granted to undergraduate students holding a study permit seeking admission directly from a secondary school (or equivalent) into a direct-entry undergraduate program. To qualify, students must have an early-conditional admission average of 85.00% or higher and be enrolled in nine credit hours in the semester when the award is conferred. |
Living Expenses in Canada for International Students
Setting aside funds for grocery shopping, social activities, and emergencies is essential. When assessing your budget, also consider these everyday expenses in Canada:
Expenses | Average cost per month in CAD |
|---|---|
Internet/phone | $50- $76 |
Food and groceries | $1200- $1500 |
Electricity/gas | $200 |
Transport | $100 - $150 |
Accommodation Costs in Canada
Many universities in Canada provide on-campus residence facilities known as Halls of Residence for international students. This option offers affordable living but requires a separate application, and it's advisable to apply well in advance to secure a spot. The average cost typically ranges from CAD 8,000 to CAD 10,000 per year.
Additionally, there are other popular accommodation options in Canada for international students:
Accommodation type | Average cost per month in CAD |
|---|---|
Hostels | $300 - $600 ($10 - $20 per night) |
Private apartment | $400-$1500 |
Shared rental | $250 - $700 |
Homestay | $400 - $800 |
Average Income in Canada for International Students
Canada offers numerous career options to international students after studying at Canadian colleges and universities. Here are some of the top emerging careers in Canada:
Job Type | Average Salary |
|---|---|
Web Developer | $64,000 |
Human Resources (HR) managers and recruitment officers | $65,541 |
Electrical engineer | $85,000 |
Financial Advisor | $62,736 |
Pharmacist | $71,600 |
Aerospace engineer | $90,000 |
Project Manager | $86,633 |
Account Manager | $56,596 |
Registered Nurse (RN) | $87,603 |
Software Engineer | $118,928 |
Healthcare Professionals | $85,193 |
International Media Planner | $45,343 |
As an international student in Canada holding a study permit and enrolled full-time at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI), you can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during summer breaks. You are allowed to work for any employer in any occupation anywhere in Canada.
Here are some popular part-time jobs that students opt for while studying in Canada:
Part-time Job Type | Average Salary |
|---|---|
Freelancer, virtual/online jobs | $25 per hour |
Server/Bartender | $11.00 per hour |
Ridesharing driver | $14-$25 per hour |
Tutor | $15-20 per hour |
Teacher’s assistant | $15-16 per hour |
Cost of Healthcare Insurance in Canada
All students travelling to Canada are required to obtain medical insurance before starting their program. International student health insurance in Canada typically costs between $600 and $900 per year (indicative). In provinces such as British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, Newfoundland, Manitoba, Labrador, or Saskatchewan, you will be covered under the respective provincial health plans for your stay.
Summary
Canada is among the most economical study-abroad countries for international students. It offers Indian students world-class universities, abundant employment opportunities, and a high standard of living. For studying in Canada, Indian students can carefully manage their expenses and budgeting to maximise their stay and enjoy a rewarding educational experience.
Read more: IELTS for Canada